Continued: Southwest light rail edges closer to final approval

Before agreeing to the project, the county also signed off on a memorandum of understanding that attempts to ensure no additional freight travels in the Kenilworth corridor. County officials don’t want to own the land, but are supporting the city’s desire for public ownership in an effort to limit freight traffic.

In a related decision, the board voted to acknowledge the planned route for possible Minneapolis streetcars. McLaughlin said there was concern in Minneapolis that the county would deny future city streetcars access to a bridge on the route.

Board Chairman Mike Opat reiterated that county money should not be used on Minneapolis streetcars. Jeff Johnson called money for streetcars is a “preposterous waste.”

The City Council is expected to take its final vote on municipal consent Aug. 29.

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"For this system to work for Minneapolis residents and not just for suburban commuters, we need safe, dignified and efficient transit connections,” said Council Member Lisa Bender, shown in a file photo.